Covid: When will I get the vaccine?

Nearly five million people in the UK have had at least one dose of a vaccine to protect against Covid-19.

In some areas of England, people over 70 and those considered clinically extremely vulnerable are now being invited for jabs.

Two vaccines - developed by Pfizer-BioNTech and Oxford-AstraZeneca - are being used in the mass vaccination programme. A third, from Moderna, has been approved but it is not yet available.

Vaccines are being given to the most vulnerable first. A list of nine high-priority groups - which covers about 32 million people including 90-99% of those most at risk of dying - is being followed:

All four nations of the UK follow these priorities, but decisions on the roll-out vary between England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland

NHS frontline staff, care home residents and workers, and the over 80s have been the first priority. In some areas, people over 70 and those considered clinically extremely vulnerable are now being invited too.

More than half of over-80s in the UK have now been vaccinated. Different regions of the UK are making progress at different speeds.

From spring, the second phase of vaccination will focus on the rest of the adult population, mainly the under-50s, who are much less likely to be ill with Covid-19.

Teachers, transport workers, supermarket workers and the military could be prioritised at that point.

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Dame Cressida Dick had said she was "baffled" that frontline police officers weren't being prioritised.

Home Secretary Priti Patel now says there is work underway to move "police, fire and frontline workers" higher up the vaccine queue.

Thousands of vaccination sites are currently operating:

You'll be invited to book an appointment to get a vaccine as soon as it's your turn, by phone or letter.

All the approved vaccines require two doses to provide the best possible protection.

Initially, people were told they would get the second dose three to four weeks after the first. But doses will now be 12 weeks apart, to make sure as many people as possible get a first dose.

Even after one dose, there is a good level of protection against Covid-19, which is then boosted by the second dose.

The UK's chief medical officers and the regulator, the MHRA, say the decision will help protect more people.

The official guidance says everyone should get the same vaccine for both doses.

In very rare circumstances - if only one vaccine is available, or it's not known which was given for the first dose - a different vaccine can be used.

In total, the UK has ordered 100 million doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and 30 million of the Pfizer vaccine. These will be shared out fairly among the four nations.

Another 17 million doses of the Moderna vaccine are expected in the spring.

The aim is to reach two million vaccinations a week, with everyone in the top four priority groups (up to 15 million people) given a first dose by mid-February.

This requires a steady supply from manufacturers and the required quality checks being carried out, which can take weeks.

The aim is to vaccinate as many people as possible over the age of 18.

It won't be compulsory - no other vaccines in the UK are - as experts say this wouldn't help create confidence.

The government has so far ordered seven different types of vaccine and expects to receive 367 million doses.

If everyone needs two doses, that would certainly be enough for every adult in the UK.

Experts say both vaccines are very effective and have not specified that any one group should get a particular vaccine.

A very small number of people have experienced a severe allergic reaction - known as anaphylaxis - when vaccinated with the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine.

The UK regulator says anyone with a history of severe reactions to food, insect bites or a drug or vaccine can safely receive either vaccine as long as they are not allergic to any ingredient in the vaccine.

You should discuss any medical history of serious allergies with your healthcare professional before being vaccinated.

Most people will not be affected in any way, although mild side-effects - which are common with any vaccine - are possible.

Vaccination should only be considered for pregnant women when the potential benefits outweigh any potential risks.

This may be where the risk of exposure to coronavirus is high and cannot be avoided, or where underlying health conditions mean a high risk of Covid complications.

There are no specific safety concerns with the vaccines - but they were not tested on pregnant women during the trials.

Women who are breastfeeding can be given either vaccine.

No - this vaccine is being rolled out free to people via the NHS. You can't jump the queue by paying for it.

If you're eligible for a flu vaccine, you should get it as soon as possible, particularly if you will also be in a high-risk priority group for a Covid jab.

At its last meeting, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommended leaving at least seven days between the vaccines.